Washington, DC – Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) released the following statement today after reports that unsafe levels of formaldehyde have been detected in temporary FEMA housing in Iowa: 

“It is disturbing and unacceptable that temporary housing provided by the agency responsible for helping people in times of emergency could be making them ill,” Braley said.  “Iowans affected by this year’s unprecedented floods and tornadoes should be able to have confidence that FEMA will be helpful to them during this difficult time, not harmful to their health.

“We must do everything possible to protect the health and safety of Iowans displaced by this year’s floods and tornadoes.  As a member of the Oversight Committee, I have been working for months to hold FEMA accountable and ensure that FEMA provides safe living conditions for those displaced by disasters.  I will continue working to ensure Iowans are provided with safe accommodations while they continue working to recover, and I encourage any residents with concerns about the safety of their temporary housing to contact my Waterloo office at (319) 287-3233.”